So, in it's most basic form, it's anything that's untidy and messy in your space. And for most of us – that's an obvious description… It's the exact thing that we envisage when we hear the word 'clutter' – a pile of mess that needs sorting out and that's got out of control.
An excess of unnecessary or unloved belongings, that accumulate into an overwhelming mess. When you think of clutter, I bet you picture a messy home - I know I do. There's also digital clutter, emotional clutter, etc., but it's the physical clutter that we're going to concentrate on today.
You can't find things easily: The most obvious sign that you need to declutter a space is if you struggle to easily find what you're looking for. Clutter can make it hard to find even everyday essentials like your keys, phone, or wallet because everything blends in together into one jumbled mess.
“There are four types of clutter: paper, digital, emotional, and spiritual,” she says. “Physical and digital clutter are symptoms of emotional and spiritual clutter.” Years ago, Hemphill started as a professional organizer.
Empty soft-drink cans clutter the desks. The roads were cluttered with cars and vans. The vehicles cluttered up the car park. This room is so impressive it would be a shame to clutter it up.
I define Toxic Clutter as items in your home that you are not using and that make you feel really bad about yourself. Don't let Toxic Clutter rob you of the space in your home AND your self esteem and self worth.
Do you use it regularly? In order for something to not be clutter, it should be something you use. And beyond that, something you use regularly. If the item is a useful item, but it's not something you use regularly, it could be clutter.
According to Psychology Today, clutter causes stress in part because of its excessive visual stimuli. It also signals to our brains that our work is never done and creates guilt, anxiety and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Clutter can make us feel stressed, anxious and depressed. Research from the United States in 2009, for instance, found the levels of the stress hormone cortisol were higher in mothers whose home environment was cluttered.
Some ADHD experts believe that a cluttered desk, closet, or house reflects a disorganized mind; others take it as a sign of genius. A lot of adults with ADHD, including me, agree with the latter opinion. Either view can be true, depending on the individual and the degree of his disorganization.
It's completely normal to have a messy house. If it isn't impacting your sleep, stress, or focus, and isn't unsanitary, then there is no need to panic. You don't need to pressure yourself into cleaning for hours on end, trying to make your home seem completely organized all the time.
Decluttering Rule #1: Don't bite off more than you can chew
Sometimes you start decluttering full of excitement and enthusiasm to clear the clutter. But try to do too much, too fast and end up feeling burnt out, tired, overwhelmed and frustrated. Instead, try breaking your decluttering jobs down into smaller projects.
There is increasing evidence to suggest that a messy house affects both mental and physical health. In fact, a messy home can make you more susceptible to colds and flus as well as stress and anxiety. While keeping on top of housekeeping can be time-consuming, the health benefits make the time commitment well worth it.
People who have suffered an emotional trauma or a brain injury often find housecleaning an insurmountable task. Attention deficit disorder, depression, chronic pain and grief can prevent people from getting organized or lead to a buildup of clutter.
If you don't clean your house, it might mean you are busy and have little time to clean and organize. It might be a sign that you have too much stuff. Or it might be the result of having young kids in the house who are usually not motivated to clean up after themselves.
Clutter can be a physical manifestation of mental health issues, Walsh tells WebMD. Those overwhelmed with "memory" clutter may have an undue preoccupation with things in the past and become depressed. Those who can't toss out items because they worry they will need them may be too anxious, he says.
Clutter: Possessions are disorganized and may accumulate around living areas. Collecting: Possessions are part of a larger set of items. Display does not impede active living areas in home. Hoarding: Possessions become unorganized piles preventing rooms from being used for their intended purpose.
Decluttering is the process whereby you decide whether the items in your space are actually clutter and if not, decide where they belong, and action that decision. The process will help you make a permanent change by enabling you to understand why you have clutter in the first place.
“A clutter-free environment might suggest someone who is not able to tolerate the untidiness or uncertainty inherent in life and relationships.”
People with depression can often find themselves living in messy spaces. This is because feelings of hopelessness, low energy, and lack of motivation can make it hard to keep on top of everyday tasks, such as tidying.
What Your Clutter Is Trying to Tell You is not your typical 'clear your clutter and be happy' story. It spills the beans on why you haven't been motivated to handle the mess, and it shows you how to use your clutter as a catalyst for growth so you can create more space, prosperity, and peace in your life.